If it’s your first time at a spa, it can feel a little unfamiliar and you might find yourself asking yourself things like: should I whisper, where does my phone go, do I need flip-flops?
The good news is: spa days are all about switching off, and if you’re thinking of visiting a spa hotel, Horwood House is a great choice. Here’s everything you need to know before your first visit to H Spa, with tips so you can walk in feeling relaxed and confident.
Choose the right type of spa day for you
Before you book, it helps to think about what you want from the day. If you’re craving pure relaxation, you might plan to spend your time in the pool, steam room and sauna, then settle in with a good book.
If you’re more treatment-focused, you could prioritise a massage, facial or mani-pedi first, followed by a little pool time afterwards. And if you want the full reset, an overnight spa break is ideal, with dinner, a great night’s sleep, breakfast, and plenty of spa time in between.
At Horwood House, H Spa has a 15m pool, sauna and steam room, along with poolside loungers and tranquillity beds. There’s also a Relaxation Lounge and a Spa Courtyard, so there’s plenty of space to relax.
What to bring with you
H Spa provides all the essentials when you check in for your spa day, including your towel, robe and slippers. Here’s a few things you should bring along with you so you’re prepared for your day:
1. Swimwear (it might seem obvious, but it’s the one thing people forget!)
2. Flip flops (although you will be provided with slippers)
3. A hairbrush and hair ties
4. Minimal make-up (you’ll likely end up in steam and pool anyway)
5. A plastic water bottle
6. Something to read if you’re planning lounge time
We’d recommend leaving your jewellery at home, as you may need to remove it for treatments and it’s one less thing to keep track of. The spa is also a screen-free space, so you don’t need to bring laptops and tablets.
When you arrive at H spa
This is the part many first-timers feel unsure about, but it’s actually really simple. At Horwood House, you’ll arrive at the main hotel reception first, and a team member will direct you to our H Spa Reception where you’ll be checked in, given your robe/towel/slippers, and you can even have a tour of the facilities. If you can, arrive with a little breathing room so you can settle in and start relaxing straight away.
Spa etiquette made simple
You don’t need to overthink it, but these few simple pointers make the day calmer for everyone:
- Keep your phone on silent in the relaxation areas.
- Avoid taking photos in the changing areas, and be mindful of other guests in shared spaces.
- A quieter voice around the pool and loungers helps keep the space calm.
- A quick shower before the pool helps keep the water fresh for everyone
You can simply switch off and relax, without worrying about a thing. Even if it’s your first spa visit, nobody is judging you (everyone is too busy enjoying not being at work!).
What to expect from your massage
If you’ve never had a massage before, it helps to know the flow:
1. You’ll fill out a short consultation form and then be taken to your treatment room.
2. Your therapist will explain the treatment you’re having and guide you through what to expect.
3. You’ll be given privacy to get comfortable on the bed.
4. Then you just… relax.
Wear whatever swimwear you feel comfortable in for the spa facilities, then for your massage you can remove your top and keep your bottoms on (or roll down your swimsuit). Your therapist will keep you covered with towels throughout, only uncovering the area being treated. If you’re unsure or feeling a little nervous, simply let your therapist know it’s your first visit and they’ll talk you through everything.
The best “first-timer” spa itinerary at Horwood House
If you’re visiting H Spa for the first time, we’d suggest starting with your treatment while you’re still dry, then easing into the facilities afterwards.
Begin with your treatment
Arrive with a little time to spare, check in, and then you can get changed and head straight to your appointment. It’s the easiest way to settle in, and you won’t be worrying about drying your hair or changing from wet swimwear beforehand.
Move on to the spa facilities
After your treatment, enjoy the pool, then take your time moving between the steam room and sauna.
Finish with downtime
Round things off with a quiet moment on the poolside beds or in the Relaxation Lounge or Spa Courtyard.
Don’t forget your lunch
Enjoying lunch or dinner at Horwood House is a lovely way to round off your spa day. Spa day packages often include a two-course lunch or afternoon tea, so you can fully relax knowing there’s something delicious waiting for you afterwards.
Make a night of it
Turn your spa day into an overnight stay at Horwood House. There’s nothing better than enjoying the spa, heading to dinner, getting a great night’s sleep, and waking up feeling refreshed, with breakfast to finish it off.
Little details that make a big difference
A few extra tips for your first spa day:
- If it’s your first visit, start with a short session in the heat rooms and build up gradually.
- Eat something light beforehand, especially if you’re having a massage.
- Book your treatment times early, particularly on weekends.
- If you’re pregnant you can’t use the heat experiences, but H Spa offers pregnancy-safe treatment options such as a pre-natal massage (over 12 weeks) and nail treatments.
Ready for your first spa visit?
If you’ve been thinking about booking a spa day but felt unsure because you’ve never been before, take this as your sign. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll wonder why you waited.
About the author:
This article was written by Victoria, a Milton Keynes-based blogger and content creator who produces engaging content on the local area, covering food, days out and lifestyle inspiration.
